Boko Haram Slaughter 12 At A Wedding in Borno | Photo

Culled from PM News - Twelve people died in a suspected Boko Haram attack on a wedding party at the weekend, police and health officials in the northeast Nigerian state of Borno said on Monday.

Two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire in the mainly Christian village of Tashan Alade, 230 kilometres (over 140 miles) from the Borno state capital Maiduguri, on Saturday, said police commissioner Lawan Tanko.  

“The attackers, who were obviously Boko Haram insurgents, arrived at the open-air venue of the party around 2:00 pm (1300 GMT) and opened fire, killing seven people and injuring five others,” he told AFP.

“The gunmen fled immediately and escaped before security personnel could be alerted due to the remoteness of the village.”

Witnesses to the attack said the gunmen pretended to be guests and opened fire as cash was given to the newlyweds in a traditional Nigerian custom.

The wedding was attended by both Christians and Muslims, they added.

People injured in the raid were taken to hospital in Maiduguri, where five others died from gunshot wounds, said one hospital worker, who requested anonymity.

“Twelve people were brought here on Saturday with very serious gunshot wounds from Tashan Alade,” the source added.

“Five of the injured died yesterday (Sunday).”

The seven others were said to be in a serious but stable condition.